No Children, 11/16, PG13

[damelola]

Title: No Children (part 11 of 16)
Author: Lola Lauriestein
Rating: PG13-R for language, occasional sex references!
Pairing: Cuddy/OMC, House/Cuddy, House, Cuddy, Wilson friendship.
Spoilers: Everything up to Wilson's Heart, takes place not long after.
Disclaimer: not-not-mine, House et al belong to David Shore, Fox etc. The song "No Children" is by The Mountain Goats, they are awesome and you should check them out.

Summary: Cuddy has a new boyfriend, House has a problem and Wilson is grieving. As matters go from bad to worse, will they be able to help each other as they once did? Friendships under strain and tough decisions ahoy.

With thanks to my awesome beta, lucyvanflick! Trust me guys, this would be a mess without her.

Your feedback so far has been excellent, constructive and very much appreciated. Thank you so much, I hope you enjoy these last few chapters.

I’ve been a little naughty and switched the song lyrics around for Chapters 11 and 12, it fits the content of each chapter much better that way. Hope you’ll forgive me, Mountain Goats fans!

Chapter 11

“And I hope when you think of me years down the line

You can’t find one good thing to say”

It was pretty rare, but there were times when being a cripple was a great big advantage. For example, House had been en route to Zach’s office to put into motion a plan that would have resulted in Cuddy’s embarrassment shrieking hyena-style and possible criminal charges for him. Thanks to his disability, he hadn’t made it quite that far.

The trek across campus had been tough on his bad leg, and so House had been forced to rest against one of the huge sandstone columns, one that moments later Zach Lowenstein leaned on while having a heated conversation with
someone on his cell.

Two minutes later and House had the information that would blow his own attempts at meddling right out of the water.

House stepped out from his hiding place, lollipop dangling idly from his lip, summoning up his best John Wayne swagger. The cane might have spoiled the effect slightly, but if the look of terror on Zach’s face was anything to go by, it didn’t seem to have reduced the impact.

“Listen, I don’t know what you thought you heard…”

“Let’s see, Zachary, whatever could you be talking about? The part where you refused to see someone for drinks tonight? No wait, did you mean the part where you told someone you wouldn’t cheat on your girlfriend with them again? You know, you could win me fifty bucks if you tell me it was a guy you were talking to.”

House was firmly in his element, and it felt good to have the upper hand once again after those strange weeks of numbness. The anger coursing through him made the world come into focus again, a sharp change from the foggy sadness that had dominated him for the past couple of weeks.

“That wasn’t, uh… Listen, House, that was someone I well… you know how messy things can get, right? Women can be so complicated.” Zach now had a slightly manic quality about him, his desperate attempt at ‘one of the guys’ camaraderie falling flat.

House summoned his best fake laugh.

“Oh yeah, bitches and hos, right? You’re lucky I like this cane or it’d be paying your skull a visit right about now.”

Zach had recovered some of his composure, and there was a glint of steel in his eye as he stepped up to House, hoping to intimidate him.

“Doesn’t matter what you heard. Lisa will assume it’s your usual meddling bullshit anyway. She’s told me about all your little schemes over the years, and as a lawyer, you’re nobody’s idea of a reliable witness.”

House drew himself up to his full height, showing off the few inches he had over the other man. His left hand flexed into a fist and with great effort he forced his fingers to straighten again.

“Zach, how could you say such a thing?” House clutched his chest, putting on a wounded look.

“I might be an inveterate liar, drug addict and born troublemaker, but Cuddy has been my friend for a helluva long time. Haven’t you noticed that she still trusts me more than pretty much anyone? I’ll make her believe me if I have to, but that won’t be necessary.”

His bravado was beginning to slip, and Zach’s “No?” had a telltale crack in it .

“No, it won’t be necessary, because you’re going to tell her. You’ll break it to her gently but you’ll tell her the truth. She deserves that.”

Zach bristled at the order he had been issued. He was not a man accustomed to letting others tell him what to do. When he responded, he had regained some of his steel.

“I’m not going to lose someone like Lisa over one stupid mistake. She was only out of town because you manipulated her. I wouldn’t have been able to do anything wrong if she’d been around.” His voice was belligerent, like a kid trying to bluster his way out of being caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

House was a second away from punching the guy, but some small scrap of common sense kicked in at the vital moment. Nothing could stop the venom that laced his words though.

“Because saying ‘no’ is impossible? She did nothing wrong, and you can’t blame the fact of you being a dick on her decision to be a good person. You have until tomorrow to tell her. And trust me, if I have to tell her, you don’t have a chance of her ever forgiving you.”

As a lawyer and a professor, it was perhaps just instinct that made Zach want to continue arguing his case, but House stormed away from him before he could try anything else. It meant crashing through the pain barrier to leave with any kind of speed and a modicum of authority. He grabbed desperately at the Vicodin in his pocket, his pride not allowing him to partake of its contents until he was out of sight.

Pulling up at the first bench he came across, House collapsed on it with a groan, sweat pouring from his forehead. Swallowing was harder since he was out of breath, but he forced two pills down and massaged his thigh until he felt the much-needed narcotic effect.

As the pain relented, he felt the anger begin to ebb away slowly. He had been so close to taking a swing at the guy. What kind of asshole would cheat on Cuddy? From the conversation he’d overheard, it seemed Zach had sought out a pity fuck from an ex; the way he had spoken to her was way too familiar to be a random bar pickup.

House knew he didn’t have any right to feel protective of Cuddy, and God knows she’d kill him for acting like she couldn’t fight her own battles. Wilson’s maddening observation about his so-called feelings for Cuddy were tormenting him at every turn. So what if he did want to jump her? Only a fool wouldn’t see how hot she was. What troubled him were the other feelings that he was trying to drown in his internal vat of cynicism. He didn’t want to like the feel of her hand in his, or be soothed by her sleeping next to him. What he wanted was for none of those things to affect him, because feeling that way was the kind of dangerous territory he’d been in with Stacy and that still hurt.

With a sigh, he realized he had to start back for the hospital – Wilson would be waiting.

----------------------------------------------

Wilson paced the second floor lobby like an expectant father in one of the old movies he loved so much; all that was missing was the unlit cigar in his jacket pocket. For now, he had to settle for winding his watch every minute or so.

He was getting used to the sympathetic smiles that greeted him at every turn. After all it was better that people liked you enough to feel sympathy rather than the alternative. The best part of this afternoon’s task was that he was in an entirely unfamiliar part of the hospital, the pastel colors and soft seating not somewhere he associated with Amber.

The elevators made their announcement of new arrivals, and to Wilson’s shock, House was one of the bodies to emerge
from the car. Not only had he shown up for the favor he’d requested, but he’d done so three minutes early. The oncologist had already been preparing his apology to Dr. Ramirez for House’s non-appearance, yet here he was, looking strangely animated.

“House, you’re here!”

House simply rolled his eyes at Wilson’s innate ability to state the obvious.

“Well, they should be calling you in any minute. I filled out the forms because the insurance company doesn’t like it when you fill in every box with ‘this question offends my religious beliefs’. I just need to put the reason for my referral. What is the reason exactly?”

House narrowed his eyes in suspicion. He knew it was too good to be true that Wilson would simply do his bidding without trying to weasel the reason out of him. It was exhausting how people kept wanting to talk about his feelings, like he should stop functioning just because some unpleasant stuff had happened. The one time he wasn’t self-medicating himself into a coma and he had to ward off all the relentless questions and concern. Besides, he didn’t want to dwell on his own life when much more interesting things were happening elsewhere. He had so much to do, including a trip to Cuddy’s office to find out what they were doing tomorrow. He had a party to crash.

Realizing that Wilson was still staring at him expectantly, he hastily threw out an answer.

“I heard the new massage therapist is super hot, like Swedish pornstar hot. You can’t get in for a massage without signing up for the whole program, so here I am.”

Wilson didn’t bother to hide how unconvinced he was. House knew he rarely fell for his outrageous lies. Whatever the reason, Wilson was quietly thrilled to be referring House to the new Pain Management Program, though he was prepared for House being thrown out in the first session and never returning. Whether he had made a promise to his mother, or was trying to get Cuddy’s attention, all that mattered to his friend was the prospect of progress. They both knew there was no cure, no wonder solution; even if such a thing existed it wouldn’t make House magically less miserable or rude. It might make a tiny bit of difference though, and for that, it was worth making the effort.

Of course Wilson noticed the tension in his friend’s body, especially how white his knuckles were as they gripped his cane. It was certainly unlike House to show any kind of nerves but this was a pretty big step after all.

Little did he know that the appointment with Dr. Ramirez was the last thing on House’s mind.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10

Next chapter, 11

Comments

[shikabane-mai.livejournal.com]

Oh man, you were serious about breaking Zach's perfect image. I can't believe he cheated on Cuddy before!

I love how House's conversation with Zach showed how much House actually cares about Cuddy. I love how he told Zach to tell her himself about the cheating, because that is what is best for Cuddy. Man, I just love House in general in your story! Oh yeah, and I love how House was so aggravated and tense at the end after he overheard Zach on the cell phone! :D

Great story, I can't wait until the next chapter again!

[damelola.livejournal.com]

So glad you liked, I was pretty nervous about the reaction to this one, since a lot of people have been pro-Zach so far! Now House has to deal with his urges to interfere which is always fun!

Thank you for commenting, I've had a nervous few hours waiting for feedback!

[scolastik.livejournal.com]

Such a good chapter ...
(not completely sober but I can still see that).

The Zach cheating story made me like him more (call me a masochist if you want ^^). I love how House find out, how he react. I also really appreciate the "Someone like Cuddy", which I think is really significant for both men.

And of course this part : "So what if he did want to jump her? Only a fool wouldn’t see how hot she was. What troubled him were the other feelings that he was trying to drown in his internal vat of cynicism. He didn’t want to like the feel of her hand in his, or be soothed by her sleeping next to him"
It's summarized the situation so well...

(Yes this is a comment with almost only compliments, but right now I don't see how you could have improve this chapter)

[damelola.livejournal.com]

You're making me blush! And God knows, House would approve of you not being totally sober. I really like the idea of House trying to reconcile his general perviness with actual feelings for someone, I hope I get to show it properly over the next few chapters.

Your words are such a relief, I thought people might hate this development in the story. If I were in Brussels I would buy you the drink of your choice right now!

[scolastik.livejournal.com]

I'll go with a cosmo thanks ^^ (no seriously I need to lie down 'cause these Erasmus parties don't look like well-adjusted people parties xD)

Anyway, yes this process of trying to bring some different part of House's character without making him OOC is really difficult I think. But until now, it's well done, mostly because you're taking your time showing us first things which aren't actually shown in the Show but that we can feel. Don't make it go faster, this is good this way :)

[dreamsofspike.livejournal.com]

awwww, i love house being all defensive of cuddy and standing up to her jerk of a boyfriend...any remnant of sympathy or "benefit of the doubt" that might have been remaining for zach vanished with the way he handled that situation with house -- all trying to be intimidating and acting like cheating is normal or acceptable...gaaah!!! hate 'im :P... can't wait to see what happens next :)

[damelola.livejournal.com]

Yeah, Zach is an asshole, right now I'm questioning whether he does really love Cuddy. I suppose more will be revealed soon :)

[amaliak.livejournal.com]

Gah! This is great! Can't wait for more!
Thanks so much for sharing. I hadn't read a decently entertaining Huddy fic in a while.
cheers.
--Lex

[damelola.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much! And gah, your icon has my favourite kind of Huddy love - pointing and telling off love.

[wanderlonely.livejournal.com]

::kicks Zack:: You ass. ::kicks more:: OMG, I can't wait to see what Cuddy would do when she found out, it's gonna be angsty, can't wait!!

[damelola.livejournal.com]

Zach does need a good kick, thank you for obliging!

[egeria61.livejournal.com]

What kind of asshole would cheat on Cuddy? PRE-cisely! Also, you NAILED House: What troubled him were the other feelings that he was trying to drown in his internal vat of cynicism. He didn’t want to like the feel of her hand in his, or be soothed by her sleeping next to him. What he wanted was for none of those things to affect him, because feeling that way was the kind of dangerous territory he’d been in with Stacy and that still hurt. And I really love that you aren't suggesting that House is going to willingly change, and suddenly forget about the hurt of losing someone. If he doesn't care, he can't get hurt. But then again, he can't control how much he cares about Cuddy.

I just love this fic. It's taken over my brain! I looked at your profile and found that we have some things in common: Dar Williams, politics, and that's right: Garfield! I'm not a die-hard Garfield fan, but my friend made these icons, and I adore cats so much, and thought they were adorable. I am rambling after a very looooooonnng day and must stick a sock in it now. :D ps-you have mad skillz.

[damelola.livejournal.com]

Your feedback is always such a lovely thing to wake up to (yeah, I got up at lunchtime - I'm on holiday!) I'm glad you liked House's inner turmoil, I think that when we saw the flashback Stacy stuff he was much more open with his feelings so it's not impossible for him to be that way, but there's a lot of hurt and needing to protect himself in the way of that.

Sorry I took over your brain, you can have it back in five chapters I promise! I'm listening to Dar as I type, she's so adorable. My Garfield love has sort of calmed over the years, my dad used to read me the comics when I was really little and apparently I learned to read super-early so that I could have the books to myself! Those icons are awesome :)

[egeria61.livejournal.com]

*adores the icon* That's one of my favorite Huddy moments! *huggles*

Here's a rec: if you can get ahold of the "Angry Valley Girl" version of S3's "Cane and Able" on amazon unboxed, I think you'd find it hilarious. Every other word is bleeped out, but it's Cuddy and Cameron. And Lisa E. just rips it up and it's sooooo perfect in an A/U-kind-of-way. It's really short. I thought it would be up online, but it isn't. And I unfortunately have no vidding skills (or recording skills really). I'm still working out how to get the season premier on tape. Because do you really think I'm gonna watch it once and then wait a bijillion years to get it on DVD? I DON'T THINK SO. *does valley girl impression* :D

[damelola.livejournal.com]

You crack me up - I have seen the Valley Girls on YouTube a while back and nearly died laughing. Lisa's delivery is just so spot on and it made me like J-Mo a lot more too (not that I hated her, I'm just not as a big a Cameron fan, so...). It also made my gf start crushing on J-Mo/Cameron, so she's much less jealous of my love for Cuddy!

Channel 5 here in the UK loves me - I've been lazing around on my days off, and the daytime repeats of House are all season 3 - so I've been treated to Insensitive, Half-Wit, Top Secret, the one whose name I forget with 'Make-A-Wish foundation' and Fetal Position. I mean, I have them on the hard drive too, but it was nice to be prompted to watch them over again - so much fun! And so much Lisa - I love any Cuddy-centric episodes.

[oqidaun.livejournal.com]

“I might be an inveterate liar, drug addict and born troublemaker, but Cuddy has been my friend for a helluva long time. Haven’t you noticed that she still trusts me more than pretty much anyone? I’ll make her believe me if I have to, but that won’t be necessary.”

Best line ever.